The New Year is quicklyapproaching, bringing along with it many promises for resolutions by people who have great intentions. However, many of us fall short on fulfilling them.
I have given this a lot of thought, because I also have good intentions, yet have not followed through on many resolutions in the past. I came to the conclusion that it might be due to not planning for it ahead of time.
Perhaps the most popular resolution among the masses is to lose weight, or to take better care of ourselves. That is a fairly tough challenge on any given day. However, on New Year’s Day, when the house is still filled with goodies and treats, and we are tired from so much recent activity, it’s even harder to start.
I now realize that…just like with anything else, if I plan ahead, it just might work. I am going to share with you some ideas on how to plan ahead, to better your chances of keeping your resolution for a healthy new year.
Detox the Past Year
If you are making a resolution to get in better shape, lose weight, or gain overall better health, then you most likely have not been taking care of yourself in the past year, at least not like you should. You are not alone.
We live in a busy world, where fast food is easiest, and lack of time to exercise is normal. So, you might want to consider getting rid of last year’s ‘sins’ with detoxification. This will help your system get rid of toxins that are left behind by not eating properly, and living a relatively sedate lifestyle.
There are a few options on how to do this properly. Some people opt for a colon hydrotherapy process carried out by professionals at a Pathways to Health clinic, while others choose a detox diet. Yet another option is a natural product, such as a Zeolite supplement
Whichever method you choose, it’s best to plan ahead for it, so you start the New Year off right. If you have an appointment set up, or the products in the house ahead of time, there is no excuse to put it off.
Get Moving
Exercise is another factor in obtaining a healthier lifestyle. It’s also an area that is put off by many people, due to lack of planning. I know that if I don’t have it scheduled in my day, then I most likely will find other things to do.
Buy some new equipment ahead of time, or a membership at the local gym. The key is to make sure it’s something new. If you rely on something that has been sitting around collecting dust, then it will most likely remain a dust catcher.
I know if I buy something new, like a yoga DVD, I’m excited to give it a try. I don’t like to waste money, so if I spend it ahead of time, then it will get used.
Plan Menus Ahead of Time
One thing that I already do is plan my weekly menu ahead of time. This helps to save money, by buying items on sale, or use up my coupons. It also keeps my week organized, by having everything I need in the house.
This can also help you to eat healthier. By having the menu planned out, and groceries already in the house, you have a better chance at sticking to your healthy menu. If you are like me, you will not want to waste the perishables by changing to a less healthy drive-thru, or ordering pizza.
Replace the Bad with the Good
Throwing out the leftover, not-so-healthy goodies will be much easier, if you have something to replace them with. Stock up on healthy snacks in the house before you do this, because ‘snacking’ is a hard habit to break.
Going ‘cold turkey’ on breaking the habit will probably end in disaster, if you don’t have a replacement on hand. Here are some healthy snacks to consider having in the house:
· Almonds
· Pretzels
· Flavored rice cakes
· Sugar free pudding or jello
· Butter and salt free popcorn
· Raw veggies with fat free dip
· Fruit
· Light yogurt
This is just a sample of things that are a nice alternative to snacks many of us typically have around the house. However, even with these snacks, moderation is important.
If you have kids in the house, then this is a great time to encourage good snacking habits with them as well. I like to have us snack on pretzels, or rice cakes. Not only do we like them, but they are a dry food, which encourages us to drink more water.
The End Result
By planning ahead, you have a great chance of following through with your promise that you have made to yourself. The disappoint that lingers when promises are broken will no longer exist, because you have taken the steps to do it right this year.
Just think of the positive results of having more energy, feeling better, and looking better. Even your skin will thank you, as it will improve as you get healthier. I also take this time to invest in some anti-aging products, to help it along, as well as a reward for myself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer, who through her articles, provides valuable tips and advice for her readers, often on how to save money, or ways make our lives easier. Melissa is in her early 30’s, married with 2 young children, living in Austin Texas. She loves to search the internet for new ideas and deals, and just recently discovered Twitter.
